A post shared by City of Sumner (@cityofsumnerwa) on Dec 5, 2018 at 12:09pm PST

In the end, he decided to stay there with the cash and wait for a food bank volunteer to arrive, at which point he handed it over.

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Anita Miller, director of the Sumner Food Bank, told the Washington Post: “He said, ‘That was a real big decision for me, but if it’s not yours, you shouldn’t be taking it’. He’s a very honest man.”

Police investigated the cash but could not find out where it had come from.

So, after the statutory 90 days, they held a ceremony to hand the money back to the food bank, and at the same time gave Booth a citizen’s citation for honesty.

Kevin received a certificate from local police (Sumner Police Department)

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It reads: “The Sumner Police Department and the citizens of Sumner wish to recognise your selfless and honest actions.

“We are all very proud of you and believe that your actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of Sumner’s most civic-minded citizens and reflect great credit upon yourself and the entire Sumner Community.”

The food bank is also rewarding his honesty, with a series of gift cards and help throughout the winter.

Staff decided not to give a lump sum to Booth, who lives in a tent nearby, because they felt it might not be safe.

Miller told the Post he refuses any offer of shelter, but that she intended to buy coats and shoes for him.

As for the cash he handed in, that will go towards expanding the service, which already provides food for 1,000 people a month, according to the Post.